Geraldine "Jerri" Cason
July 8, 1942 ~ November 10, 2019
Born in:
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Geraldine “Jerri” Cason, 77, was born July 8, 1942, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and departed this life on Nov. 10, 2019. Survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Craig (Kris) and Todd (Lanchi); granddaughter, Briana (Cesar) Paredes; and grandsons, Caleb and Bryce. Preceded in death by parents, S. Clifford and Stella Oshanek; and twin sister, Jacqueline Oshanek. Jerri came to the United States at a young age and was a member of East High School’s first graduating class. She received both a B.A. and a M.A. degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She was a teacher at Haaff, Columbian and Baca Elementary Schools, as well as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Jerri was a very devoted Christian, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of Parkhill Baptist Church and the Community Bible Study. Her love and devotion will be greatly missed by her family. The family is very appreciative of the loving care provided by Sangre de Cristo Hospice. Service, 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Final resting place, Mountain View Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum. In lieu of food or flowers, contributions may be made to Parkhill Baptist Church, 4235 Parkhill Place, Pueblo, CO 81008, or Joni Fair Hospice House, 1207 Pueblo Blvd. Way, Pueblo, CO 81005. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Services
Memorial Service: November 16, 2019 2:00 pm
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
I am another of Jerri’s Winnipeg cousins. Missing Jerri now that she is gone, was something I expected. I feel that something good is gone from all our lives. Jerri came by her ability to care about family and endear herself to all of us honestly; from her mother. Stella was justifiably proud of Jerri, and her family. Even though, as one of the youngest cousins, and a boy, I may not have been as included in all of those childhood antics, but those I was provided fond memories of a fun loving and caring person.
As youngsters, when we heard that the Oshaneks were coming to visit, there was always excitement in the air. It always meant the family would once again bond and enjoy each others company. It also meant the movie projector would come out. As we relived the past memories the bonds increased and then we would go on to make more memories. To me, Jerri was the embodiment of the importance of family.
I was so glad to have made a trip to visit Jerri two years ago. Jerri was so full of life, laughter and energy that she made it easy to forget her circumstances. I am fortunate to have had that time as my last memories of Jerri.
Bob,Craig and Todd did a wonderful work in putting together a funeral service that was so Jerri. She would have approved in every way. The musical selections, especially “I’ll Fly Away” were so poignant. The internet video made me feel like I was there.
Jerri’s legacy to me are all the memories from my earliest childhood to our last visit in Pueblo two years ago.
One of my first memories was “ christening” the calf in the early 1950s. We leaned over the half barn door and enticed the the calf with freshly picked grass and then we spilled a cup of water on his head. It amused us for some time until the calf got wise. Their family visits were highly anticipated. Being four years younger, I got a lot of hand me downs, which were so fashionably ahead of ours. I could not wait to wear them. I was also told that our rock and roll songs were off USA charts long ago.
Her childhood visits always included beach time at our grandma’s cottage which cemented the close sisterhood relationship with all of us cousins. The cousin closeness was then passed on to the cousin’s children with their visits to the beach and family reunions.
Jerri loved to travel and we enjoyed their company to the Middle East, the holy land, Tuscany,Rome, Florence , Eastern Europe, cruising to Hawaii, and South America . We wanted to do more but her her illness got in the way. I treasure the memories, the laughs, the adventures, misadventures and all the photos of those travels.
Jerri was the consummate shopper and deal finder. Our visits with them included plenty of that. I was chauffeured to the right stores with the appropriate coupons for anything I was looking for or was a good deal anyway. She loved to spend my money, but never on her of course. We often did Ross and Marshall’s twice a day. We often ate out for practically free with her coupons combined with the specials of the day. Jerri loved to play games. Our evenings were spent playing canasta and Rummy-o with the accompanying laughs and chitchat.
Jerri’s adolescent pictures resembled our grandmother. Her quick wit that often nailed it, was so very like Aunt Jean. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was like my mother, her careful monitoring of her family was just like her mother. I believe Jerri uped that a notch to perfection and continued it to her last days.
Jerri’s passing is a great personal loss for me. Gone is the sharing of memories of our youth, our travels, our good times together. Gone are our reviewing of our mothers and aunts through adult eyes and putting our past family events in a new perspective. Sharing family secrets that one of us was not aware of. I am missing her more each day. She always has been and always will be in my thoughts.
Cousin Janice
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This is Joyce Oshanek from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cousin Jerri and I were both blessed to keep in touch all these years thru the Oshanek side. I was always excited when her and Bob would come up for a visit. All of the cousins from both side of her family would connect and all of us had a great time. Her cousin Jan always made you feel welcomed. I am going to miss our talks , our visits on the phone. I am missing her more and more everyday. Her laughter and humour was infectious! She was just a genuine beautiful soul. I was truly blessed and proud to have her in my life. Another angel watches over us. Love you Jerri 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️ Blessing to you all.
This is Joyce Oshanek from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cousin Jerri and I were both blessed to keep in touch all these years thru the Oshanek side. I was always excited when her and Bob would come up for a visit. All of the cousins from both side of her family would connect and all of us had a great time. Her cousin Jan always made you feel welcomed. I am going to miss our talks , our visits on the phone. I am missing her more and more everyday. Her laughter and humour was infectious! She was just a genuine beautiful soul. I was truly blessed and proud to have her in my life. Another angel watches over us. Love you Jerri 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am Jerri’s Canadian cousin, quite a status having an American cousin growing up. We would wait in excited anticipation for visits from Colorado and the hand-me-downs from Jackie and Jerri. Don and I visited Jerri and Bob in 2008. We stayed longer than we planned. The hospitality and fun were abundant. I was no longer the younger cousin. Jerri made me feel an equal. I appreciated Jerri’s generosity, honesty and humour. I will miss her
Aunt Jerri was one of the sweetest people – she could always make you laugh with her great sense of humor. Ever since I was little I would be excited when Aunt Jerri was around. I have great memories of her at Christmas, Brad’s birthday parties, and at the cabin. She was an amazing person and will be missed so much!
My deep sympathy to Uncle Bob, Craig, Todd, and their extended loved ones. From the moment I met Jerri I was welcomed and genuinely cared about. Her conversation, connection, and including others was a gift of her grace and hospitality. I immediately understood her kindness when she would break away and play board games with us as teenagers at the holidays. I am personally grieving her loss. I look forward to seeing her in God’s Kingdom to come. And Bob is exactly the same caring person. Among the most wonderful people I have or will ever know.
Aunt Jerri was so much fun to be around. I first met her when I was really young and she was engaged to be married to Uncle Bob. I was the flower girl (I told every one I was the flowerpot) in their wedding. Aunt Jerri loved to play games and I remember playing many board games with her at Christmas get togethers. She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit that made time with her so enjoyable. I will forever miss her infectious smile. I am so grateful that she has had perfect healing now in the arms of Jesus. Uncle Bob, Craig and Todd, I send my love and prayers for comfort and peace.
A beautiful witness to all who knew her, Jerri blessed so many lives with her quick wit, easy humor and love of life.
Jerri was always ready to step in; when there was a need she didn’t offer to help – she just did. I will miss our long, long telephone conversations where we talked and laughed about the crazy quirks of life. Even when I knew she did not feel well and I would call to pray with Jerri, she never ended the call without insisting on praying for you and your family also. Rest well in the arms of Jesus, sweet friend. Our prayers and love to Bob, Craig and Todd.
Jerri was a friend for life. Each time we were together was like we had never been apart. It was heart wrenching to see her in her last days. But it was comforting to know that she knew who I was and would still smile at my “punny” comments. I already miss my dearest friend and will continue to do so.
Jerri was truly a sister in Christ. My prayers are with Bob, Craig, and Todd, and their families.
Craig and family,
My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I hope you find peace and comfort.
Always. Holly
I will certainly miss Jerri’s spirit and her attention to detail. She made me smile as the “teacher” in her continued LONG after her retirement. Bob, Craig and Tom, you were her rocks and your loyalty and compassion for Jerri was beyond evident. I am unable to attend Her Services as I am out of town. Please know my heart will be with you and your Families. Sending courage, grace and hope to each of you.
Our hearts are the with Cason family… may you be surrounded and comforted with loved ones around you today and always. Cherish all her beautiful memories, many stories, and house full of love. – The Boyce’s (Bobby and Frances’ Middle Daughter)